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COPYRIGHT DEPOStR 



American Dramatists Series 



TWO MASQUES 

America — The Women of Shakespeare 



BY 



JULIA HALL BARTHOLOMEW 




BOSTON: THE GORHAM PRESS 

TORONTO: THE COPP CLARK CO., LIMITED 



Copyright, 1916, by Julia H. Bartholomew 



All Rights Reserved 









fit 



FEB -5 1917 



MADE IN THE UNITED STATES OP AMERICA 

Thb GoRftAM Press, Boston, U. S. A. 



©CI. D 46170 

"WO I > ff/b «** 



CONTENTS 

America 7 

Women of Shakespeare 27 



AMERICA 



CHARACTERS 

Columbus. 

America. 

First Chorus. 

Second Chorus. 

Third Chorus. 

Fourth Chorus. 

Fifth Chorus. 

Prophet. 

Five Groups of Nations. 

Seven Groups of Dancers. 

COSTUMES 

Columbus — Italian, Fifteenth Century. 
America — White, cap and gown. 
Choruses — Red, caps and gowns. 
Prophet — Blue, cap and gown. 
Groups of Nations — National costumes. 
Nymphs, Indians, Fairies, Gipsies, 
Classic Dancers, and Oriental Dancers. 



TWO MASQUES 

AMERICA 

A Masque 

Columbus is seated at a table, on one side of the 
stage, where papers and charts are strewn about. 
He is deeply engaged in looking over these, study- 
ing and arranging for some minutes. Remaining 
seated he speaks. 

COLUMBUS 

A little lad in Genoa, I dreamed 

Of distant shores; and most adventurous schemes, 

As far across the luring sea I gazed, 

Filled out the measure of my ardent dreams. 

Outward and on my flying fancy sped 
To overtake the sunset mysteries 
Lost in the purple night. I yearned to sail 
And seek a wondrous land beyond the seas. 

{He pauses and looks upward.) 

Has wild adventure so entranced my soul, 
Imagination fired my brain to think 
Of things impossible, that I am led 
By idle dreaming to destruction's brink? 
7 



8 TWO MASQUES 

For still my vision paints a fair bright world, 
Abundant, rich, and vast; and in my mind 
The thrill for conquest stirs; my heart's elate 
For exploration, — a great land to find. 

{Columbus rises j holding a paper in his hand; as 

he slowly walks about the stage he says) : — 

There must be land 'neath those far opal skies, 
Isles Fortunate and Fields Elysian ; 
Storm-driven sailors oft have given report 
Of a fair coast which their keen eyes did scan. 

{He pauses, and stands as if beholding a vision.) 

Mayhap there are in that dim-visioned land 

Grottos and fountains where the nymphs do dwell; 

In law and wisdom versed, Egeria 

May hold a sylvan court and reign right well. 

The floating clouds are like a fairy troop, 
Enchanting all my powers; and my heart craves 
To reach that far horizon in the west, 
While dancing Scylla lures across the waves. 

{Columbus slowly approaches the table, and sits 
in reverie. ) 

Interlude — Dance of Nymphs. 

{Still seated, but looking toward the audience, Co- 
lumbus says) : — 



AMERICA 9 

COLUMBUS 

A feast was held in that rare Golden Age, 
When Saturn reigned in Sunny Italy, 
Where master served the servant, and was proud 
That each could serve with true equality. 

Now to my vision there appears a world 
Where social service rules and reigns for all, 
And where good women rise and take their share; 
Where peace and beauty answer spirits' call. 

(Rising quickly, and coming forward, Columbus 
continues) : — 

COLUMBUS 

The vision beckons! I must venture forth! 

I bow not at the shrine of Terminus ; 

It is not written in my destiny 

Failure to know, and have high hope end thus. 

A little lad in Genoa, I dreamed 
Of distant shores, and now a man, I'll sail 
Into the great unknown, to meet my dream 
Be3^ond the seas. Pray God I do not fail. 

(Weird music is heard, at first very faint, when 
Columbus speaks- of "the great unknown" As he 
ceases speaking it grows gradually louder. Ameri- 
can Indians appear and dance. The music becomes 
riotous, gradually growing subdued, and faint as 
the dance ends and the Indians fade away.) 



io TWO MASQUES 

{America appears, carrying a wand. She calls 
upon the spirit of Columbus to witness what has 
come to pass.) 

AMERICA 

Since time and space no limitations hold 
For spirits who have conquered in the quest, 
Behold from realms of beauty, light, and truth, 
America — the proud, the golden West. 

Things dreamers make live on, and in thy dreams 
Thou mad'st a world more fine than one then 

known ; 
And yet, though great the vision was, perchance 
America beyond all dreams has grown. 

Behold a land thy soul must dearly prize, 
And thy adventurous spirit must admire; 
Wide-eyed with wonder at magnificence, 
See now the goal to which her sons aspire. 

The power of oceans' restless, surging tides 
Has carried to these shores both men and things 
Of worth and beauty. Races have found homes 
Since hither they were urged by fancy's wings. 

Now strong Atlantic weds the sea of Peace, 
With vision and with purpose girded well. 
It must not be that war shall henceforth mar 
The land where all in brotherhood may dwell. 

{America pauses, and walks across the stage, med- 
itating; the sound of footsteps is heard, as she be- 



AMERICA ii 

gins to speak, accompanied by soft music, which 
grows more distinct and loud as she ceases speaking.) 

AMERICA 

Footsteps are heard of millions coming on, 
And thrilling music falls upon the ear, 
Sweet tones of joy, and peace, and promise fine 
For all who in this presence do appear. 

{Columbus takes his place at the table, and re- 
mains seated while he views the pageant.) 

First Episode 

{America waves her wand. Enter Chorus, or 
Leader, who recites the following lines as the four 
groups of four enter in order as the nationality is 
mentioned. The groups take their places alter- 
nately at either side.) 

FIRST CHORUS 

Here now advance the people whom thy dreams 
Beheld ; yet not methinks, of numbers great 
As all the many millions in this land, 
Thy wildest fancy ere did estimate. 

{Enter English Group.) 

FIRST CHORUS 

From "merrie" England there came not a few; 
And with them came the language of the land, 



12 TWO MASQUES 

And laws, and customs good. May these fine sons 
Ne'er fail to clasp Old England by the hand. 

{Enter Spanish Group.) 

FIRST CHORUS 

From blue-skied Spain have come men brave and 

bold, 
Keen set for thrilling deeds and acts bizarre, 
Lured on the sunset path, to western shores 
As by the gleam of scintillating star. 

Across the southland rich they blazed the trail 
From Eastern coast to California's sands ; 
And everywhere along the borderland 
Are found romantic touches of their hands. 

{Enter Dutch Group.) 

The sturdy Dutchman also heard the call 
Of vastness. They did seek the northern shore, 
And planted there right worthy qualities; 
Howbeit they held customs as of yore. 

Strong folk, from vigorous clime, and dykes and 

floods, 
In bonded groups they came, earl, churl, and thrall, 
With spirits high, determination firm, 
Jovial and joyous, yet right true withal. 

{Enter French Group.) 

FIRST CHORUS 

With hope and buoyancy and graciousness, 
Some bright adventurers did leave fair France 



AMERICA 13 

And found no cause to fault the ones who steered 
Their wandering course, and did their minds en- 
trance. 

Things beautiful they brought, and helped to build 
Fine towns and shaded avenues, where trees 
Form rare green vistas, where the melody 
Of bird-song blends in sweet tones with the breeze. 

Dance — Virginia Reel. By the Four Groups. 

AMERICA 

{Addressing Columbus.) 

Now must thy heart with joyfulness o'erflow, 
As thou beholdest these whom joy has filled, 
And made their footsteps light and gay in dance, 
To prove how hope and conquest have them thrilled. 

(America waves the wand as she speaks and the 
four groups pass from the stage.) 

Second Episode 

(Enter German Group.) 

SECOND CHORUS 

Science must follow in the train, so long, 
Of all the myriad things that men can do 
And know. And out from Germany there came 
A number great, who works of science knew. 



H TWO MASQUES 

Fine farms, and meadows, also, with the kine 
Upon a thousand hills, where wealth abounds 
In faithful tillage, German folk have held; 
And cheered their toil with lusty vocal sounds. 

{Enter Irish Group.) 

SECOND CHORUS 

Some of the freshness of the Emerald isle 
Springs forth from every soul of Irish folk, 
Genius inventive, quick surprising wit, 
Humor for changing hours, and sparkling joke. 

Weird things and fairies, coupled, too, with mirth, 
And harps and songs, and things for making dreams, 
The Irish brought. For many toils their worth 
Is known; from dull hours their bright word re- 
deems. 

{Enter Swiss Group.) 

SECOND CHORUS 

The tiny tinkling bell among the Alps, 
Sounds tender tones in calm cool evening hours ; 
And peasants gather, ere the night has fallen, 
To breathe the fragrance of the grass and flowers. 

From rich green glens and snow-tipped Alpine 

heights 
Clear-eyed and healthful people here have come, 
Right-minded in their thought of liberty, 
And glad to make this favored land their home. 

{Enter Italian Group.) 



AMERICA 15 

SECOND CHORUS 

Italia has sent a glad, gay life, 
And bright-eyed children gleeful, keen and strong, 
Who make a joyous journey through the day 
With winning charm of melody and song. 

Some trace of their great ancient history 

Clings to their garments, lingers in their hearts; 

And if from Naples, Rome, or Sicily, 

Or otherwhere they come, they bring their arts. 

Dance — Fairies Dance. 

AMERICA 

Blended in beauty, music, play and art 
Are man's accomplishments, in this free land; 
Here may each genius find a place to thrive, 
Each individuality expand. 

(America waves the wand as she speaks and the 
four groups, followed by the fairies, leave the stage.) 

Third Episode 
(Enter Greek Group.) 

THIRD CHORUS 

To human creatures there belongs the right 
Of grace in every dwelling of the soul, 
And on the head of Greece must rest the crown 
Of conquest for the body, pure and whole. 



1 6 TWO MASQUES 

Into America has found its way 

The spirit fine of Greece, and Ganymede 

Has coursed his way. The open field 

Has conquered life, and taught the motor's speed. 

{Enter Russian Group.) 

THIRD CHORUS 

Some types of ruggedness and virile strength 
Must lend a character, and freely blend, 
To make new nations great. From out the north 
Have come men who combine for this good end. 

Russians, from climes where cold winds harden man, 
Bring vigor, health and strength as here they come 
To have a part in this new continent, 
And beautify the place they call their home. 

{Enter Persian Group.) 

THIRD CHORUS 

With haughty mien and most deliberate air, 
Long memories of nightingale and rose, 
Perfume of attar, regal robes and ware, 
Persians have come, with culture and repose. 

Merchants have found the golden key which now 
Unlocks the caskets of the treasure store 
Of Persia's gems, embroideries, and rugs; 
And books are written of their ancient lore. 

{Enter Group from India.) 



AMERICA 17 

THIRD CHORUS 

Ancient philosophy has slowly come 

From India, the land of mystic lore; 

Songs from these poets, these deep knowing ones, 

Must surely charm this country more and more. 

The land of marble mosques, and temples huge, 
In grandeur wrought and carved and all inlaid 
With rich mosaic forms, sends hitherward 
Minds filled with beauty that these arts have made. 

Dance — Classic Dance. 

AMERICA 

Knowing the power of these historic lands, 
The length of their existence, and their deeds 
Of valor, faith, and might, it us behooves 
To honor them and understand their creeds. 

(America waves the wand as she speaks and the 
four groups, followed by the dancers, leave the 
stage. ) 

Fourth Episode 
(Enter Syrian Group.) 

FOURTH CHORUS 

It seems most fit this land should welcome those 
Who once have trod the hills of Palestine, 
Those hills so barren now, but which erstwhile 
Were clad in beauty, and the valleys green. 



1 8 TWO MASQUES 

To lead the nations to enduring peace 

It needs must be the Prince of Peace is known, 

And those who knew Him not in Syria, 

In this land may be found among His own. 

(Enter Group from Egypt.) 

FOURTH CHORUS 

Admixtures of the race on Egypt's soil, 
From Galla, Nubia, and Kordofan, 
Born in the ranks of servitude and toil, 
Find here the equal rights of each free man. 

Learned men have penetrated and disclosed 
Things wonderful of history and art, 
From times of Pharoahs and the Ptolomies, 
Within old Egypt's sandy desert heart. 

(Enter Group from Arabia.) 

FOURTH CHORUS 

The wandering Arab too has found the way 
To these broad lands. Since Crusade times his power 
In many forms has reached the eager West, 
And answered questionings of students' hour. 

With far keen vision Arabs know the way 
Of stars; and nature's mysteries they seek. 
From cities hidden in their desert sands 
Knowledge may come of which they do not speak. 

(Enter Hungarian Group.) 



AMERICA 19 

FOURTH CHORUS 

Gipsies have wandered to and fro o'er Earth, 
Telling the fortunes of the high and low, 
Heedless of naught but mystery and mirth, 
And ever skilled in music of the bow. 

From Hungary have come these vagrant souls, 
And many plodding working men, as well; 
America has offered much to these, 
A future bright their calendars foretell. 

Dance — Dance of the Gipsies. 

AMERICA 

The Maker of the universe has called 
This land to honor and to faithfulness; 
Sending and blending all these races here, 
Where they in unity the World may bless. 

(America waves the wand as she speaks and the 
four groups, followed by the Gipsies, leave the 
stage.) 

Fifth Episode 

(Enter Group from China.) 

FIFTH CHORUS 

To seek Cathay was purposed in his mind 
When brave Columbus sailed out to the West; 
And now men from Cathay come to this land 
To find a home and gain what makes life best. 



20 TWO MASQUES 

An ancient people, peaceful, plodding, sure, 
And versed in wisdom's lore; they also bring 
A contribution worthy to endure, 
And from endurance much of strength does spring. 

{Enter Group from Japan.) 

FIFTH CHORUS 

Some subtle fascination lies within 

The artizans and artists of Japan; 

A charm and witching grace they oft possess, 

E'en though 'tis by a tiny painted fan. 

Beyond their sunrise land they've ventured out, 
To offer in these marts their tempting ware; 
They ask in progress and prosperity 
To have an even chance, an equal share. 

{Enter First Group of Islands.) 
FIFTH CHORUS 

When God had made the Earth and called it good, 

There lay upon the water's smiling face 

Some fragments from the land; and these were 

crowned 
With beauty not excelled in any place. 

{Enter Second Group of Islands.) 
FIFTH CHORUS 

Ships passing by the Islands in the seas 
Have carried to America's expanse 



AMERICA 21 

The toiling peasant, and the dreamer, who 
Had visions of a larger life perchance. 

Dance — Far Eastern Dancers. 

AMERICA 

Fine sons, fair daughters, from these races sprung 
Join now in struggle for a nation's name, 
For peace, and unity, and brotherhood, 
That shall forevermore ensure fair fame. 

These minds are deep and true, prepared to serve 
Along the great highway of human life; 
Humble in soul, and with a conscience clear, 
Hearts yearn to heal the world at war and strife. 

{America waves the wand as she speaks and the 
four groups of four, followed by the dancers, leave 
the stage. America gradually approaches Columbus, 
who rises and speaks.) 

COLUMBUS 

America, great things accomplished are, 
And life is rich within thy borders fair; 
What henceforth is thine aim, is't thy desire 
To lead all lands to peace? 

AMERICA 

It is our prayer 
And purpose to be true, to find the spring 
Of fine enduring life, to reach a goal 



22 TWO MASQUES 

Both high and far. Yet lure of gain is great, 
And wealth ensnares. 

COLUMBUS 

Arise, and find thy soul 
In service pure. The spirit called me forth 
To find the wonders of far-famed Cathay, 
And girdle all the earth with joy and truth 
In gracious wealth of bloom. 

AMERICA 

Can we obey 
That voice which called thee ages gone, and how 
Shall we its whisperings hear when every ear 
Is filled with commerce's din, when solitude 
Is no man's guest? 

COLUMBUS 

Bend to the earth, and hear 
The near sweet voice of duty, calling clear; 
Then bid thy soul take cheer and mount on high ; 
For lowly listening tunes the thought aright, 
And hearts with noble purpose serve and fly 
Along the way of life. 

AMERICA 

The busy marts demand 
Our lives' best hours. How then may we attain 
The poise, the quiet power, the strength of will 
That brings the best to body, soul and brain? 



AMERICA 23 

How sweep away wrong, suffering and sin, 
How learn life's science true? 

COLUMBUS 

Art thou right sure 
Thy aim is truly great, lurks there no taint 
Of greed within thy mind ? Is thy soul pure 
Inflamed with brother-spirit, not with self? 
The prophets have in ancient time well told, 
To nations all unheeding of their voice, 
"Destruction cometh when the aim is gold." 
Now search the nation's soul and read her heart; 
Gems may lie underneath the soil, unguessed; 
This blended race may lead the hosts of earth 
In all the ways of art, in beauty's quest, 
Exuberant and free. 

AMERICA 

Can beauty's way 
Uplift the land, can poetry and art 
Fill needs of souls that grope for living light 
Along life's thorn-edged path? 

COLUMBUS 

To every heart 
These offer wholesome food. But there is balm 
For wounds, found in a sure firm faith. The 

names 
I gave the lands I touched witness my zeal, 
My bold adventure faith in God proclaims, 
Faith was my guiding star, and by its gleam 



24 TWO MASQUES 

I took my course across th' inviting seas 

To reach great lands, for I was not content 

To loiter in green isles of bliss and ease. 

Make faith thy watchword now, and follow peace, 

Then great shall be thy end. 

AMERICA 

Who shall us lead? 
Are all the prophets gone, will none arise 
To help us find our soul ? We will take heed 
If one there be to show us the bright way, 
The sunlit path we seek. 

COLUMBUS 

Not one alone 
There is to lead, but hosts if ye will list; 
Yet not mid noise of battle are they known, 
In gentle tones they speak, with voices mild. 

AMERICA 
By what names called are they? 

COLUMBUS 

Poet, and seer, 
All who create, in drama, song, or speech, 
Art, beauty, truth. Behold now comes one here. 

{Enter Prophet, who reads from a scroll as he 
walks about the stage, now* addressing Columbus, 
and then America; at other times gazing far off into 
space. ) 



AMERICA 25 

PROPHET 

America shall find her soul in deeds 

Of service true; and unto lasting peace 

Lead nations when at war. For this high end 

Must be conserved her moral potencies; 

It shall not come with idle hours and ease, 

But nerve and strength, great tasks to undertake. 

Unseen the universe of real things 

The spirit's life must find. Self shall awake 

To consciousness of brotherhood, and art, 

And deep religious need, and drama's power, 

To re-create the energies of man, 

And crush war's spectacle, so grim and dour. 

Ideals, like bright banners flung aloft, 

Shall constitute the conquering sign. To raise 

Each nation's life all nations must combine 

And brotherhood of nations, for all days, 

Keep reverence for man. Each patriot 

Religion, too, shall feel. And ritual 

Uplift where beauty can appeal to souls 

Who sink and fall when sordid things enthrall. 

From influence within and from without, 

All wretched things that hurt and mar and stain, 

The borders of this land shall guarded be, 

By heart refined and elevated brain. 

Equality in wisdom, worth and love, 

Shall reign when men and women dwell in peace 

And sympathy; and only then indeed 

Shall beauty last, when women find release 

From cloying things to seek a higher sphere, 

And climb, with men, above the ways that hold 



26 TWO MASQUES 

Their feet from energy and grace. Insight 
For art and life shall then high dreams unfold. 
Earth's craving soul shall so be satisfied, 
Each land shall know of this great peaceful aim, 
All nations' ills America shall cure 
When churches, schools and homes this word pro- 
claim. 

AMERICA 

Hinged now on keen expectancy, the door 
Of opportunity stands open wide 
For swift advance, along the great highways 
Of truth, to all who firm and strong abide. 

These races welded now in union sure 
May herald forth the word of lasting peace, 
Each seeing stars of guidance in the flag, 
And bound in brotherhood that ne'er shall cease. 

The pageant of the flag is free for all; 
It must inspire, as when it floats afar 
With music, art, and gladsome life, men shall 
No longer crave the spectacle of war. 

{While America has been saying these words j the 
five Choruses, with their groups in order, have come 
upon the stage. Each Chorus carries an American 
flag of medium size, while every member of the 
group carries a smaller flag. When America ceases 
speaking the Star Spangled Banner is played. The 
Prophet drapes a large flag over America's should- 
ers, and all of the groups wave the flags.) 

Curtain 



WOMEN OF SHAKESPEARE 



SHAKESPEARE BEFORE QUEEN ELIZA- 
BETH AND HER COURT LADIES 

Choruses Pages 

Music — Midsummer Night's Dream. 

COMEDY 

Titania — Fairies — Puck 

A Midsummer Night's Dream 

Katherine The Taming of the Shrew 

Mistress Ford, Sweet Anne Page 

The Merry Wives of Windsor 
Princess of France and Attendants .... 

Love's Labour's Lost 

ROSELIND — CELIA — AUDREY PHEBE 

As You Like It 
Viola — Olivia — Maria Twelfth Night 

Dance of Puck 

ENGLISH HISTORY 

Queen Constance, (Arthur), Blanche 

of Spain King John 

Princess Katharine — Alice Henry V 

Queen Margaret — Joan of Arc — Elean- 
or Duchess of Gloucester Henry VI 

Elizabeth (Queen of Edward IV) — Little 
Princes of the Tower Richard III 

Queen Katharine — Anne Bullen, and 

Ladies-in-Waiting Henry VIII 

A Morris Dance 



TRAGEDY 

Ophelia Hamlet 

Juliet — Nurse Romeo and Juliet 

Desdemona — Emilia Othello 

Goneril — Regan — Cordelia King Lear 

Lady Macbeth Macbeth 

A Sword Dance 

CLASSIC 

Cressida — Helen — Cassandra — Andro- 
mache Troilus and Cressida 

Volumnia — Virgilia Coriolanus 

Portia — Calpurnia Julius Caesar 

Cleopatra — Iras — Charmian 

Antony and Cleopatra 

A Classic Dance 



ROMANCE 

Isabella Measure for Measure 

Portia — Nerissa — Jessica. . .Merchant of Venice 

Beatrice — Hero Much Ado About Nothing 

Imogen Cymbeline 

Hermione — Perdita The Winter's Tale 

Miranda — Ariel The Tempest 

Dance of Ariel 

The Dark Lady of the Sonnets 

Dance of Puck and Fairies 

Music — Midsummer Night's Dream 

Curtain 



WOMEN OF SHAKESPEARE 

{Curtain rises. The queen is seated on the throne, 
ivith two court ladies standing on each side and one 
seated at the feet of the queen. A page stands on 
each side of the stage. Shakespeare enters from the 
left, advances a few steps and pauses. The queen 
signals to him to approach; he comes forward to 
within a few steps from the centre, and makes obeis- 
ance to the queen, who acknowledges his attitude. 
She makes a gesture permitting her attendants to 
be seated. They take their places, which are some- 
what lower than that occupied by the queen. Shake- 
speare then speaks the prologue.) 

SHAKESPEARE 

Most gracious Sovereign! May we entertain, 
By pageant of the women of our brain, 
Your Majesty; and so obtain your praise. 
In realms of fancy we have spent our days 
And many hours of night. Fitting it seems 
The women of our visions and our dreams 
At this time we should thus to you present, 
That you may know our aim and our intent. 

To cheer you first, we bring our Comedy; 
Then History follows; then dire Tragedy. 
Also we've roamed afar to Classic years ; 
There's Romance, too; and songs for mirth and 
tears. 

31 



32 TWO MASQUES 

So now, we beg our women may be seen 

By thee, our honored and our gracious queen. 

{At the conclusion of the prologue Shakespeare 
bows and retreats, taking his place on a chair at the 
left.) 

Music — Midsummer Night's Dream. 

{Enter Comedy Group of women, from the right, 
led by Chorus, zvh® recites the following lines as they 
pass slozvly before the queen.) 

COMEDY CHORUS 

Bringing wit and glee 
Cometh Comedy. 
All these ladies fair 
Tread with sprightly air; 
Their spirits are gay 
For a mad-cap day, 
When the merry mood 
Has quickened the blood, 
And lure of the shee 
To the greenwood tree 
And the fairy dance, 
Each and all entrance. 
Titania's grace 
And Puck's jolly face; 
The Paduan shrew; 
Anne Page, sweet and true, 
With gay Mistress Ford 
And her saucy word; 



WOMEN OF SHAKESPEARE 33 

There's love-time of May 
For the Princess' day; 
Rosalind's virtue, 
Constant Celia too, 
With Audrey we see 
The rustic Phebe, 
Viola, Duke's bride, 
Olivia beside; 
Maria the jade, 
A fair saucy maid; 

Drive all care away 
And herald sweet May. 
Mirth and Melody 
Come with Comedy. 

{The Comedy Group pass from the stage at the 
left when the Chorus has ended speaking.) 

Dance of Puck 

{Enter History Group of women, from the right, 
led by Chorus, who recites the following lines as 
the women pass slowly before the queen.) 

HISTORY CHORUS 

Now we present our queens and noble dames 
Of History in your excellent land. The names 
Well known, — Constance and (Arthur), Blanche of 

Spain ; 
Then Katharine, and Alice in her train; 
Margaret d'Anjou, Joan La Pucelle brave, 
(From such as Meg Jourdain we pray to save) j 



34 TWO MASQUES 

The Duchess uttering "dark shall be my light," 
Feeling a King's great power, her day was night; 
With "lips like four red roses on a stalk" 
Princes, quite innocent, to death did walk, 
And Mother sad who saw "as in a map 
The end of all." How quick the trap 
Of fate is snapped on mortals frail 
The drama finds a way to tell the tale. 

Of women, in your honored Father's reign, 
Who graced the court magnificent, we fain 
Would bring them all. For beauty, grace and worth 
We honor many names of noble birth 
On History's roll. And ever proud we are 
That women played their part in stately power. 
Katharine, queen so "much too ventrous" 
And Anne Bullen are picturesque to us. 
Then learning found a place and liberty, 
Reaching in your fair time great dignity. 

And now we trust that you may "think ye see 
The very persons of our noble story 
As they were living: think you see them great;" 
Queens and Court ladies in the hands of fate. 
For so it seems. Now, we would have you know 
Our reverence for your Grace before we go. 
These queens and women have had joys and tears; 
In warp and woof of History's woven years 
The tapestry has colors dull and gay, 
And thus is woven the texture of the Play. 

(When the Chorus has ended speaking the His- 
tory Group pass from the stage at the left.) 



WOMEN OF SHAKESPEARE 35 

A Morris Dance 

{Enter Tragedy Group of women from the right 
led by Chorus, who recites the following lines.) 

TRAGEDY CHORUS 

The poet oft must visit Helicon, 

And walk in converse with Melpomene; 

For never wins he higher in his art 
Than when his thought is steeped in Tragedy. 

Reminded are we that the Tragic muse 

A woman was. The Drama needs must find 

That fairest women's hearts are bruised and torn 
And sorrow's burdens laid upon the mind. 

Great women, chosen by destiny for pain, 
And suffering trials oft that rend the heart, 

Good women, falling victims of a plot, 
Are found among the finest in our art. 

Ophelia of "good beauties" and sad fate, 

Well did she know "the poison of deep grief;" 

The trials of Juliet, the Capulet, 

In her fresh youth, are quite beyond belief. 

When Desdemona followed leading-love, 
Betrayed, by dark Othello's hand she died; 

Emelia, when fortune turned against her, 
I "play the swan and die in music," cried. 

Grim the tale of Regan and Goneril; 
Ingratitude, most heinous sin of sins, 



36 TWO MASQUES 

And instigator of a hundred more, 

They had for Lear. Sad death Cordelia wins. 

In Lady Macbeth one must ever see 

The darkest picture, drawn by any pen, 

Of womankind. Ambition's voice she heard, 
And the weird sisters on the marshy fen. 

How often life has chained a woman's hands, 
And fortune turned against her in the race; 

But poet's thought can read a woman's mind, 
And poet's power describe her rightful place. 

{When Tragedy Chorus has ceased speaking the 
group pass from the stage at the left.) 

A Sword Dance 

{Enter Classic Group from the right, led by 
Chorus, who> recites the following lines.) 

CLASSIC CHORUS 

Around the Mediterranean shores 
Lie lands where Poetry and Art 
Have ever dwelt. 

The day's fair hours, 
And misty purple twilights, stir 
Within the mind a thousand dreams 
Of beauteous things. 

Fancy grows great 
To cause return of Classic lore; 
No poet fails to seek these shores 
And bring to his own time some gems 



WOMEN OF SHAKESPEARE 37 

To adorn his page. 

In Classic garb 
These stately women enter now; 
Cresseda false, fairest in Troy 
Save Helen, wed to Menelaus, 
And in Troy fairest of the fair; 
Frenzied Cassandra, and the wife 
Of Hector bold. 

Portia of Rome 
A noble lady; Caesar's queen 
Calpurnia; living in times 
Of great imperial power and 
Wealth at Court. 

Volumnia brave 
For Rome, and fearless, plead with power; 
And, with Virgillia, met her life's 
Last tragic hour. 

In regal pomp 
The Oriental tawny queen, 
Iras and Charmian, her maids 
And sharers in her destiny, 
Do now appear. 

High thoughts of art 
Must come when classic times are seen 
In picture and in play. Women 
With charming grace of mind and mien 
Dwelt then in palmy Greece and Rome 
And by the perfumed Nile. And now 
In drama we may view them here. 

{When the Classic Chorus has ceased speaking 
the Classic Group retires from the stage at the 
left.) 



3& TWO MASQUES 

Classic Dance 

{Enter Romantic Group, from the right, led by 
Chorus, who recites the following lines.) 

ROMANTIC CHORUS 

The world of Fancy now must us engage, 
While Terpsichore and Erato dance 

Before our minds, and lead us into fields 
Where ever dwells the fine art of Romance. 

Pleading a clemency for brother loved, 
Sweet Isabella, in her suppliant mood, 

By virtue won a Prince's heart, who knew 

"The hand that made her fair had made her 
good." 

At Belmont dwelt the noble Portia, 

In knowledge skilled of a fair legal sort; 

Nerissa, too, and gentle Jessica; — 

Honored are women by their good report. 

Of sprightly Beatrice, and Hero brave, 
Upon a time there once was much ado; 

But the wise friar planned with knowing skill; 
The jealous lover found his Hero true. 

These words came soothing sweet to Imogen, 
When as Fidelio, she risked her life, 

And her true love restored, he said to her, 
"O Imogen, my queen, my life, my wife!" 

Hermione's heart a well of virtue was; 
'Neath the soft skies of sunny Sicily, 



WOMEN OF SHAKESPEARE 39 

Abused by perfidy, she bore her part; 

And Perdita, her child, grew sweet as she. 

The stormy sea to sweet Miranda brought 
A lover true. The sprite worked mystery 

And the droll creature dealt in many charms; 
But in the end all safe reached Italy. 

Among the women who adorn the page 

Of drama, those who are of light Romance, 

For charm, and grace, and wit, and poetry, 
Are favorites in the world of play, perchance. 

( When the Romance Chorus has ceased speaking, 
the women of the group pass off the stage at the 
left.) 

Ariel Dances 
The Dark Lady of the Sonnets Appears 

SHAKESPEARE 

(Rises and recites these lines.) 

Now comes one here with dark mysterious eyes, 
Who doth possess such beauty as I prize; 
Her "black is fairest in my judgment's place," 
And "those two mourning eyes become her face." 
Her "eyes I love, and they, as pitying me," 
"Have put on black and loving mourners be;" 
And yet I fear 'tis not without disdain 
She looks "with pretty ruth upon my pain." 
Sweet are the visions that come to the mind 
When dusky eyes are soft, serene and kind, 



40 TWO MASQUES 

But bitter is the sharp and cruel dart 

That may be hurled from them to pierce the heart. 

Full oft within the dark mysterious eyes 

Deep thoughts do lie that a sweet peace denies. 

"Make but my name thy love, and love that still, 

And then thou lov'st me, — for my name is Will." 

{The dark Lady of the Sonnets disappears; 
Shakespeare steps forward almost in the centre and 
recites the finale.) 

SHAKESPEARE 

If we have wearied you we pardon crave; 
Yet we do trust our women, fair and brave, 
In gorgeous semblage here before your eyes, 
Have won your high approval, and we prize 
Your patient ear, and all attentive mind, 
Queen of all queens, a ruler wise and kind. 
Let dancing fairies come, cheer to impart, 
Mid-summer-night's dream, and a quiet heart, 
When all the women bid your Grace adieu 
And this unworthy pageant pass from view. 

{Shakespeare makes an obeisance and retreats to 
the side of stage.) 

Dance of Puck and Fairies 

{Each group, led by Chorus, again appears in 
original order, passing in pageant before the queen. 
Shakespeare and Dark Lady follow the women.) 

Music — Midsummer Night's Dream. 

Curtain 



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